Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

No. 10. MINE INSPECTORS' REPORT. xvli
states is from falls of roof. He explains the peculiar conditions that
maintain in the district in this particular. His reixirt should be read
and studied by the peoi)le employed in the district.
Second anthracite district inspector calls attention to the method
of mining and developing- coal properties and shows wherein present
and past metliods are both wasteful and expensive. The desire for
present gain overrules the future, both as to the securing the largest
quantity of coal and the consequent lengthening of the time of profitable
investnu-nt. These remarks are worthy of consideration by all
coal operators. Mr. Prytherch also calls attention to mine flres and
their causes mid gives valuable suggestions for their prevention. He
is certainly right in recommending that wooden shanties and other
timber structures should, as far as possible, be replaced by others
built of incond)ustible nuiterials, thereby reducing the larg-e number
of mine fires to the minimum. In view of the present danger of
mine fires in the anthracite coal mines, Mr. Prythercli's suggestion
of planning a successful method of tighting mine fires when they
occur, is surely good advice and worthy of consideration. It will
also be observed that he recognizes the necessity of the mine foremen
haviiig a better system and exercising greater discipline in the
discharge of their duties.
Third Anthracite district inspector reports quite a number of improvements,
and it is worthy of note that they are all of a very substantial
character. Attention is also called to a rush of sand and gravel
in the working of the Mt. Lookout colliery, which fully illustrates
one of the many dangers to be contended with in the mining of
anthracite coal.
Fourth anthracite district. Attention has already been called to
this report. It should be read to be appreciated, as it is both interesting
and instructive.
Fifth anthracite distiict inspector's report shows the number of
fii(al accidents according to the number of tons produced, to be less
than it has been for the last 10 years. He states that the conditions
of the mines will compare favorabl}^ with those of any other mines
similarly situated. He also reports many improvements that have
been made; some of them of an exceptionally substantial character,
especially the pumping station at the Hazleton shaft colliery. In
the language of the inspector "The plant is
very complete, and presents
for consideration a standard for economics in modern mining."
The report of the Cranberry mine fire is another evidence of the necessity
of not using timl^er for pump houses or any other house in
the mine. Nothing but non-infiamnuible materials should be used in
such places.
Sixth anthracite inspector's report shows an increase of fatal accidents
and a decrease in production. He calls attention to the fact
R—10— 97